Summary
- Despite doubts, Francis Ford Coppola remains confident in
Megalopolis
, drawing parallels to the success of
Apocalypse Now
despite initial mixed reception. - Director Gregory Nava praises
Megalopolis
for pushing cinematic boundaries and using visual effects in new ways to evoke emotions. - Coppola’s resilience in the face of challenges on set showcases his determination to deliver a film that will stand the test of time, set to premiere at Cannes.
Francis Ford Coppola recently responded to the doubts regarding the distribution prospects of his new project, Megalopolis. In an interview with The Daily Beast, Coppola remains undeterred, drawing parallels to the initial reception of his iconic Apocalypse Now.
This is exactly what happened with Apocalypse Now 40 years ago.
Set in a futuristic New York, ravaged and on the brink of rebirth, Megalopolis explores the clash of ideologies between a charismatic mayor and a visionary architect. The narrative, drawing inspiration from the ancient Catiline Conspiracy, promises a complex web of power struggles and ambition. The film features an ensemble cast including Adam Driver, Dustin Hoffman, and Shia LaBeouf.
The rumors around the film’s potential marketability has been less than favorable, with some studio executives expressing doubts after a private screening. Comments ranged from disappointment to outright dismissal, casting a shadow over the film’s prospects.
“There is just no way to position this movie.”
“Everyone is rooting for Francis and feels nostalgic. But then there is the business side of things.”
“
I find it hard to believe any distributor would put up cash money and stay in first position to recoup the P&A as well as their distribution fee.
”“How do you define commercial? You look at movie like Blade Runner and it became so much more commercial than on opening weekend.”
“It’s so not good, and it was so sad watching it. Anybody who puts P&A behind it, you’re going to lose money. This is not how Coppola should end his directing career.”
Watch Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis First Look video below:
However, Coppola remains undeterred, drawing parallels to the initial reception of his iconic Apocalypse Now. Despite mixed opinions at the time, the film not only enthralled audiences but continues to be celebrated decades later. Coppola said:
“There were very contradicting views expressed, but the audience never stopped going to see the film, and to this day Apocalypse Now is still in very profitable distribution.”
“I am sure this will be the same situation with Megalopolis. It will stand the test of time.
Behind the Scenes of Megalopolis: Coppola’s Resilient Journey
Gregory Nava, the Oscar-nominated director of Selena, who hailed Megalopolis as a “visionary masterpiece.” Nava praised the film for pushing cinematic boundaries, particularly in its use of visual effects, traditionally reserved for superhero blockbusters, to evoke a broader spectrum of emotions. Read the director’s comments below:
“
It’s an unbelievable, astonishing film, and [Coppola] is pushing the boundaries of cinema.
[Coppola] has used visual effects, and things that before have simply been limited to superhero movies, in a way to evoke other kinds of emotions.”
Best Francis Ford Coppola Movies, Ranked
A look back at the career of one of the greatest directors of all time, Francis Ford Coppola.
Coppola’s journey with Megalopolis has been one of defiance and determination. Amid reports of chaos on set, he maintained that the production was both on schedule and within budget. His resolve is a reminder of his storied career, marked by both creative and logistical triumphs. Coppola shared:
“I am on schedule and on budget. These reports never say who these sources are. To them, I say, ha, ha, just wait and see.”
In a significant development, it has been revealed that Megalopolis is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The prestigious event has a special place in Coppola’s heart, as it was instrumental in cementing Apocalypse Now as a cinematic classic. The film’s inclusion in the competition on May 17 is a nod to Coppola’s longstanding relationship with the festival and his indomitable spirit as a filmmaker.
